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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

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Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Primary Dermal Fibroblasts from Human Keloid Tissue
Published on: July 28, 2023
Application of mitomycin-C for head and neck keloids
Charles E Stewart1, John Y Kim
1Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA. cstewartiv@hotmail.com
Summary
Topical mitomycin-C combined with surgical excision significantly reduces keloid recurrence in head and neck areas. This innovative approach shows a 90% success rate, offering new hope for keloid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Wound Healing
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Keloids are common fibrotic lesions resulting from abnormal wound healing, particularly in darker-skinned individuals.
- Head and neck keloids present a therapeutic challenge with high recurrence rates (50%-70%) despite various treatments.
- Existing treatments include surgery, corticosteroids, radiation, and laser therapy, often with limited long-term success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical mitomycin-C in preventing keloid recurrence after surgical excision in the head and neck region.
- To assess the safety and success rate of this combined treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- A series of 10 patients with head and neck keloids underwent surgical excision.
- Topical mitomycin-C was applied postoperatively to the surgical sites.
- Patients were monitored for keloid recurrence over a 7-14 month follow-up period.
Main Results:
- The combined treatment of surgical excision and topical mitomycin-C demonstrated a 90% success rate in preventing keloid recurrence.
- No significant adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Topical mitomycin-C is an effective adjuvant therapy for preventing the recurrence of head and neck keloids post-excision.
- This approach offers a promising strategy to improve outcomes for patients suffering from keloid scarring.